Alchemy of Souls season 2 episode 1 is finally here and fans couldn’t have been happier as the first episode leaves them content with the spectacular start! Directed by Park Joon-hwa and starring Lee Jae-wook, Go Yoon-jung, Hwang Min-hyun, Shin Seung-ho, Yoo Jun-sang, Oh Na-ra and Jo Jae-yoon, alongside other cast members, the sequel premiered on tvN on December 10, 2022.
Bringing back the story of Daeho and its mages who are finding it hard to get over the tragic event that took place three years back, the story is ready to face its new chapter as a new storm brews itself. As two people defy nature with their existence, their love stands on the path to reuniting. However, it won’t be as easy as it seems.
The first episode of the sequel brought in a huge reaction from the fans as they could not stay calm with the fulfilling episode that they were given today. As their beloved characters from the historical drama shined once again, witnessing their new looks with a hint of the past really overwhelmed them with emotions.
From the three mages from powerful families reuniting, to some of our favourite couples reuniting for a brief moment, and not to forget the return of some very annoying and angering characters; this episode had it all and we have loved every bit of it.
However, there is one particular character who has stood out the most and it is none other than the much-spoken-about female lead Go Yoon-jung. Batteling the challenge of filling up the shoes of the fans’ favourite Jung So-min, there is no doubt that our new lead has had to face some tough challenges right from the time the announcement came to us.
However, Go Yoon-jung has definitely shown us all why she is perfect for the role of Naksu as she takes over the spotlight today. Her character went from the deadly assassin in the first season to the witty yet heartbreaking Jin Bu-yeon in this sequel and we are loving how well she shines in this role.
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And along with this, fans cannot help but feel a sense of deja vu as their favourite Mu-deok shines through Bu-yeon aka Nasku. Here are some reactions from fans that will show you how bright Go Yoon-jung shines in this episode:
“CHO YEONG IS SO FUNNY WHAT THE HELL HAHAHAHAHAHA HER MUDEOK SIDE IS SHOWING LOOK AT JANG UK’S CONFUSED FACE. #AlchemyOfSouls #AlchemyOfSoulsLightAndShadow #LeeJaeWook #GoYounjung“
“ALL HAIL TO OUR NAKSU????????how crazy it is, we can tell it’s the same character even though two different actresses carry that one role! the synchronization, kudos to #JungSoMin and #GoYounJung!! #AlchemyOfSoulsS2#AlchemyOfSoulsS2Ep1“
Here are some more reactions from fans as they take over Twitter!
Alchemy of Souls Season 2 Episode 1 Reactions
Also Read: Alchemy of Souls Season 2 Episode 1 Recap and Review: Jang Uk and A Runaway Bride
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What did you think about the first episode? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch Alchemy of Souls season 2 on Netflix.
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I rather feel disappointed because new BuYeon doesn’t have the same mesmerizing eyes as old BuYeon/Mudeok. I am neither fan of both actress and no bias…from this episode I prefer JSM over GYJ. Maybe too early to give my critic but I followed AOS since it’s first episode day 1 released of s1 and back then the ep1 got me glued and excited on the narrative compared to s2 ep2. This season doesn’t excited me much after the premiere last night apart from look of the main lead actress, the build up sequences looks boring. I like s1 better.
I think this new actress does a more convincing job in her acting skills, there were numerous discrepancies with season 1 since the infamous assassin supposedly lived alone in the mountains yet all of a sudden she knows how to flirt with boys??? Batting her eyelashes and apparently sweet talking the prince as if she’s got the best social skills in the world. This new actress portrays the isolated assassin much better since she’s able to portray the lost and somewhat confused Buyeon, since her memory was depleted. And as explained by Master Lee, it was Naksu’s soul & energy that was strong enough to bring back what’s left of that petrified body. Naksu’s energy caused the body to morph itself to look more and more like Naksu since that energy in itself was what kept the body alive in the first place.
Well done! I’m loving season 2 so much more than season 1, and after reading some of these negative comments about the new Naksu, I can’t help but wonder if there’s some bias since season 1 was so good. Can’t wait for the next episodes! I think I like this new actress much better because she portrays innocence due to her amnesia so well. The excitement she feels shines and I can’t help but feel excited along with her. Great actress!
Very disappointed in the change in female lead. If it were a beauty contest, maybe, but it will be hard to adjust. This is definitely a step down from last season.
I agree. Not sure if there were issues between the two actors in season 1 behind the scenes, however, the on set chemistry with the new female lead is not there. I am trying very hard to like her. It just isn’t working.
I was very sad to know the first female lead wasn’t part of this episode.. I wanted to continue from that faithful night she ran off. Will they remember each other??
same
Jung So-min ????????????????
Go Yoon-jung portrayed the original Naksu assassin perfectly at the start of season 1. Then the character transitioned convincingly into Mu Deok-i, portrayed by Jung So Min. However, this new reverse combination is seriously disappointing – and I don’t blame the actress. It’s the storyline’s fault for getting rid of a character they spent a whole season developing. At the end of season 1, upon Mu Deok-i becoming petrified and entering the lake, there should have been two outcomes. Both souls and bodies should have been separated yet combined leaving feisty Naksu in Mu Deok-i’s body (for Jang Uk) and calm Bu-Yeong in Naksu’s body (for Seo Yul).
Sooo disappointed. So min is by mile better than this girl replacement. Season 1 start to finish the charisma and the chemistry between UK and Mudoek are unmatched. She may be beautiful but no appeal (to me at least) and acting wise not bad but the role was really meant for So-min. Miss you Mudoek ❤️❤️❤️
The new “Nak-su / Bu-yeong makes no sense.
Nak-su’s body was burned. There is no reason for this character to look like Nak-su.
If Bu-yeong’s body was retrieved from the lake then the character should look like JSM, albeit 3 years older.
If Nak-su’s soul is inside this improbable body, shouldn’t her memories be intact?
If Bu-yeong’s soul is inside this body, which isn’t her original body, then why would she have the same powers?
The logic is a mess.
But then magic is involved.
I hope they find logical explanations for everything.
Wow these were my exact thoughts. I remember that they retrieved mudeok’s body at the end of season 1, but all of a sudden she has the physical appearance of naksu here??? And why is buyeon so confident that she is the daughter when she literally could not recall any of her memories. Her mom could just be gaslighting her lol.
Couldn’t agree more with you.
So disappointed as well. Hoping they can include jung so min in s2. So min and jae work have way better chemistry. Hoping Yoon jung’s character ends up with seo yul. Haha
same here im very disappointed by the change of actress, what were they thinking?! Somin is so compellingly charming and magnetic at the same my heart races whenever shes on screen, please bring back Somin Mudeuk! besides the story is a bloody mess, how did Buyeon ended in Naksus body hello shes in the ice stone, and where is Mudeuks body?? please Fix your storyline ok we international audience are not stupid????????????
kept on waiting for mudeok/JSM appearance but alas she has a complete and different different person/ the naksu one. if you live for 3 years, your appearance will be the same except maybe a little older but you will not become a different looking person. so sad and disappointed.
Jung so min acting is excellent , she is trully a versatile actress who will meet your expectancy in every role she portray, her charisma, beauty and appeal to the audience. I was disappointed that she is not part of season 2, They are just making the story more confusing.
So very disappointing, why would they change such a enchanting actress to one that is really rather boring in comparison. Terrible 1st episode!
They should have ended it in season one if they gonna ruin it!
First the new lead actress is just sooo not her ! The story is not convincing at all ! the way that all the bad ppl from season one stayed just doesn’t make a since.
I was really waiting for this ! They made the teacher a house wife!
and Naxue boring actress!
They broke up the lovely couple for her dad who she was against him when she knew what he did!
Uk who was the real king and who was hidden they make him boring as f!
that girl who acted blind before i forgot her name seems wealthy with great clothes !
The whole thing is just missed up!
I don’t think it will be nearly as good as the first part!
This season will have astory of love that would be boring! and no real stories like the first part!
I hate this I’m really mad!!!!!
Naxu’s body with beyon soul! What a stupid beginning!!!!
I thought they explained it well.
Bu-yongs and her body has Naksu’s soul trapped and they were petrified at the end of S1. That soul is stronger than Bu-yong’s soul, but the body has the ability that Naksu did not. There has to be a trade-off when you have a strong Uk now. For some may not feel this flow and be disappointed.
Did they really kill Bu-yong? (not so sure yet) They killed Naksu’s power though healing Bu-Yong’s body so naturally she will have a role of a powerful blood now from the family. It’s kind of weird that the mom wants the body of her kid, but its understandable. I almost felt like she just wanted the heir, but a mom would hold onto anything.
To revive “Bu-young’s” body, they had to untie Bu-yongs soul from it and let it die. It made sense she would not live through it as her soul was always weaker, just the blood in her body carries the gift. They used up Naksu’s energy so they body would heal, but then look like Naksu as a result. It made perfect sense to me since it is healed through her essence that it would look like her. This would not be typical of a soul shifter reforming. And it’s magic, so there is that.
Both girls lost some thing so the body will not go wild and be in harmony. It made sense to me since that body is “healing” it would take a look alike to it’s host. I feel like this is partially destiny for the trio. Now, the part about the body is not the set thing, its all about the families “blood” which holds the power. We can use that as a plot device to gain another type of power while loosing the old power Naksu had. with Uk being powerful, we don’t need two leads like that, and it adds a struggle for the main female lead.
It feels like we are moving to a new era where it may be less fighting and more about power(since Uk is stronger). Then we can use the power of the blood and see how Naksu does.
Since the actress is now with another company, I don’t think they can use her . I felt more chemistry with the first pair, but Naksu has no memory so I think the actress did a good job of expressing that and maintaining Muduek to a degree. the comment about the eye expression was pretty true someone made. I feel Moduek was more expressive, but I still think this actress did pretty good and did not “ruin” anything for me.
I like both actresses, but watching episode 1 I’m confused…..is this the Jin daughters soul?!? Or is it Naksu with amnesia?!?
I love their chemistry is so good current! I really like Go Yoon-jung more is best than Jung So-min because Go Yoon-Jung has the strongest power in real life.
No thanks, the original actress made the show! So bummed!
I love the new actress!!!! To those who don’t like her, too bad!!!! Go Yoon Jung is a great actress. Don’t be stubborn and putting people down. Grow up people!! Bye!
Thank you Yolo, I can’t agree more! I’m not familiar with either actress and have only seen them on AOS, and in my personal opinion, the new Naksu was more convincing in her role than Mu Doke was in season 1. I really like the new actress, her emotions were my emotions when I had watched the first 2 episodes. It was heartbreaking when her mom sewed the new tracking threads and I couldn’t help but feel frustrated and trapped along with her. Poor Naksu.
The character is dead. The funny, strong assassin is replaced with a weak, snooze fest of a damsel in distress. So sad and disappointing. I think it is the writing more than the actress that disappoints but So-min made season 1, so poor new girl is in a bad spot.
I rewatched Season 1 just before Season 2 got aired. I must say I was forcing myself to be excited watching the first 2 episodes. Chemistry was lacking for sure between Jan Wook and Nak-su and the energy from the first season was missing in the second one. They made Nak-su average which is disappointing. Hope it gets better with the next episodes.
Better drop this drama.the story makes me confusing.,I am so sad and so disappointed,i dont feel any excitement at all.the FL…no appeal to me!
trying to be excited to see this s2 … new naksu/bu yeon is good actress but she don’t have a naughty smiles to jang uk n her eyes look sharp all the time… like song min i cry when she sad… i laugh when she act funny but new naksu even the scene is light n funny its doesn’t make me laugh… the exciment is totally killed… this is just my 2 cent review…hope still had a feeling to watch this for the sake to know the ending… but still hope that song min will appear in the middle to make this drama more happening n bring the excitment like s1…
Swearrrrssss the new actress can’t make me laugh like song min does,not trying to lash at any actress I’m just saying they should have used song min since she’s one of the funniest and exciting kdrama actresses and she really brings the excitement to the stage and all…..however I’m done with alchemy of souls since she’s not in it anymore and the drama isn’t that exciting to watch anymore,moreover she was like 60% of the reason I loved the movie,always acting crazy????
Alchemy of souls season 2 is craaapppp, mudeok isnt even in the movie anymore,its so confusing and I wasn’t as hyped as the first season either, of they didn’t know what to act they should have just ended it at season 1……so annoying????????
The fact that the first female lead wasn’t even in the season 2 was so oo oo sad I really loved her acting and she was very funny with no stress….Now season 2 is just dull,no suspense,no thriller,nothing to keep me at the edge of my seat and why does the girl have to look like naksu and not mudeok???? I want mudeok backkkkk. They should have used mudeok while she lost her memory..I just managed to watch two episodes of season 2 and now I’m done????????
Just thumbed it down on Netfix. Season 1 was amazing and Season 2 is boring, imho. Rating of 6.7%? It means others feel the same way and if they were going to change the FL, they should have just killed off the character completely and not try to rehash Naksu to salvage some romance. Better to have made Season 2 about UK and him fighting evil instead of ruining the show.
The explanation why the soul is Naksu’s makes sense and this is needed to continue the love story with Jang Uk.
However the body should still be Mudeok’s. Made no sense why body will change, now all we have is 100% Naksu (body and soul)??? Plus Naksu gets to have Bu-Yeon’s power coz of her blood??? Body and blood should be one – should be Mudeok/Buyeon.
I hope they bring back the orig female lead. Now I lost the appetite to watch Season 2.
As I read the comments, I can’t help but think that people are really into the first Naksu/Bu Yeon/Mudeok because of separation anxiety or bias, who knows? Honestly, when I first heard that the actress won’t be the same I also felt kind of sad because I was so used to the previous actress acting the part, but then I watched the first 2 episodes and deymmm it’s so good! I love how the story unravel itself, a mixture of past and present. If you would really try to understand the explanation how the body goes into transitioning from one face to another because the soul chose to heal itself by altering the face and the body it was born into then it can be simplified as the meaning of the title itself: alchemy of souls. The body as the vessel into which a soul is poured and as rare as it is, Naksu’s soul is the strongest kind that is why it can be able to shift and morph the vessel/body into whichever it is attuned to. Add the fact that it is the body of a jin clan which is a very good vessel for such a strong soul while the previous soul is too weak and just survived through it all because of a strong bloodline. And any explanation they will say would just go as it is because it involves magic and sorcery.
As for the actress GYJ, I am really waiting for the time she would come back into the story the moment I saw her first on the season 1. If you really think about it, GYJ started the whole season and was on the first act, then came JSM who was so witty, funny and charmed the people throughout the season 1. Both actress are outstanding on their role plays. I think people should really hold all (negative) comments before we got all episodes covered.
PS. I always find JSM acting mudeok as pretty cute and funny but there’s always a part of me throughout season 1 that always looking forward to having a glimpse of GYJ’s Naksu of season 1 episode 1 because I find her character portrayal as cool, with so much angst but classy and elegant and she’s so beautiful!
PPS I also think that (aside from JSM on another company) they get the original Naksu form because season 2 would be much more action packed than season 1 (I always associate JSM’s mudeok as funny and not as warrior type)
the story is no storying,the new buyeon is a 1 dimensional actress,is she trying am sure according to her and her fans she is,she is horrible,watching her is torture ,hence i stopped watching!????????♀️ how did she get past casting? its 2023 and we are still stuck with pretty girls who cant act? why?
so two questions: master lee states in season 2 ep 1 that the conjoining of naksu in mudeok/jin buyeon’s body was not the result of the alchemy of souls but rather was caused by mudeok/jin buyeon “trapping” naksu’s soul in her body. if this is the case, 1) why was there the blue mark/light indicative of the alchemy of souls in mudeok’s eyes in season 1 and 2) how could the divination powder in shaman choi’s stockpile accompanied by the use of her bells by jin mu have affected/contolled mudeok in the final episode of season 1?